Upside offers free texting in Rita&apos;s path

Texting is seen by wireless companies as a prudent means of communicating during and immediately after the storm because it requires far less time on often-overburdened cell networks than a voice conversation. It also helps conserve the phone's battery in areas where there is no power for charging.

Upside CEO Branko Zurkovic said in a release that texting proved to be very useful during Katrina and following last year's deadly tsunami in Asia.

The offer will be good for a week and applies to text-message customers in areas of Texas and Louisiana.